Fence



(No Model.)

H. S. GINTHER.

FENCE. N0. 336,405. Patented'f'eb. 16. 1886-.

LU 'i "fllff "Ilm f IlIHIHII IJVVEJVTOR v Attal-nez] wmagnphar. wmmgnm D. s;

joined together by keys Fand wedges G,

having hinges L. -with enlargements having passages for the Nrrno STATES Artnr trice.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 336,405, dated February 16, 1886.

Application filed March 24, 1855.

To all whom it may concern.-

Be it known that I, `I-Invnr S. GINTHER, a citizen of the United States, residing at Bridgeport, in the county of Lawrence and State of Illinois, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Felices, of which the following is avspeeification, reference being had therein to the accompanying draW- ing.

My invention relates to improvements in fences, and is designed to produce a sectional fence, easily and quickly set up or taken down, and adapted to irregular lines or cor-` ners, that may be quickly opened at any point for the passage of either persons or vehicles. The fence is peculiarly fitted for farmlands, or wherever large tracts of 4land are inclosed and passage is frequently desirable at points notsupplied with gates.

The improvement consists in a fence composed of a series of panels, rigid as regards vertical movement, centrally pivoted, and secured one to the other by removable fastening devices, so that each will form a readily-operated sWivel-gate, and also in peculiarities of construction set forth in the claims.

In describing the device reference is had to the annexed drawing, showing a perspective view of the device.

Each panel, A, of fencing is secured to a disk, B, which has projecting from its under surface a pin, C, resting normally in a block, D, of any suitable material set in the ground. The ends of the rails of the panels are rabbeted, as shown at E, and the panels are passing through the overlapping rails. At corners or angles a rabbeted angle-piece, H, is used.

'Ihe post I, raised on one of the disks or pivots B, is used for a gate, K, the same Short rabbeted pieces M,

post, connect the panels to it. By removing the keys it is evident that the panels may be turned or swiveled, and so be used in lieu of gates, or perform the same office.

The device is adaptable to any panel-fence; and the invention is not confined to the eX- act construction shown, the right to vary the same, consistently with the spirit of the invention, being reserved.

I am aware that gates have heretofore been pivoted centrally, and also that fences have been constructed with panels pivotally connected one to the other and flexible to move vertically, so that the panels might be adj usted vertically and laterally; and I am also aware that panels have been placed at an angle one to the other with the contiguous ends secured together by angle-pieces; but I am not aware that a fence has heretofore been constructed with panels, each of which is supported by a central pivot, and each adapted to perform the function of a gate; nor am I aware that a fence of the character described has had the panels provided with rabbeted ends, which overlap, forming stops for the said panels when used as gates, and forming seats for the fastening devices, at the same time leaving a smooth surface or finish to the joints. I am not aware that the panels have heretofore been supported on a large bearing or swivel plate that is secured to said panel, thus relieving the pivotal pin from lateral wear and preventing the said panel from saggingas the panels would be seldom used as gates, the friction and wear of such bearings would be immaterial; nor am I aware that angle-pieces, as shown and described, are old.

The panel I use is perfectly rigid as regards vertical movement.

I claim- 1. A fence constructed of rigid panels, each of which is mounted upon a central pivot, said panels being connected one to the other by removable keys, substantially as and for the purpose specified.

2. A fence constructed of panels, each of which is pivoted centrally and supported by said pivot, the ends of each panel being rabbeted and there normally overlapping, and removable wedges passing through the overlapping portions, substantially as and for the purpose specified.

3. A panel for a fence having a central pivotal support consisting of a bearing-plate or disk secured t0 the panel and having a pin projecting from its under side, and ablock IOC in which the piu normally rests, substantially l In testimony whereof I ax my signature in as and for the purpose specified. presence of two Witnesses.

4. A fence consisting of centrallypivoted panels having contiguous Overlapping rab- HENRY S. GINTHER.

5 beted ends keyed together and rabbeted angle-pieces securing the panels together at the Vimlesses: angles 0f the fence, substantially as and for A. M. MAXWELL, the purpose specified. H. W. BUNN. 

